Services

Hereford's first free school to open

The Robert Owen School is set to move into the former Hereford High School for Boys, in Blackfriars Street, Hereford. Pupils old and new, left to right, are: Reece Hudyma, Owen Davies, Peter Daines, Chris Morgan (Secretary, Robert Owen Academy's Trust).

STUDENTS at Hereford’s only ‘free school’ will start the year at new, “state-of-the-art” city-centre premises on September 1.

The Robert Owen Vocational School – which offers a unique curriculum combining academic and vocational study – will ring the bell at its Widemarsh Street facilities next month.

The former Hereford School for Boys has been expanded and improved to accommodate an increasing number of students looking to follow the school’s Vocational Baccalaureate.

This means longer days, weeks and years for youngsters – but includes timetabled ‘Robert Owen Weeks’ of extra-curricular activities aimed at building communication skills, confidence and self-awareness.

It is the only school in the country to offer the WJEC-certified Vocational Baccalaureate.

The qualification was developed by the school, alongside employers to better cater for the skills required in the working world – skills like communication, teamwork and analysis.

Chair of governors, Chris Morgan, said: “This exciting programme builds on the schools’ aim to help students become people who not only understand things put can apply them in practice.”

Hereford’s newest secondary school, the Rober t Owen School will start the new year with 110 students set to enrol, almost four times the number that of last September.

Its first intake will this year sit their GCSEs and next year progress to post-16 qualifications and apprenticeships – including a newly-created level three for the baccalaureate.

The school still aims to ensure students attain a minimum of five GCSE’s – but also study a range of vocational subjects.

At the same time, they spend one day week on a work placement throughout the year building technical skills and also researching what career they may want to go into.

As part of that, students closed their first year by taking part in two ‘Robert Owen Weeks’, where Rural Media, Real Impact Music and Oldfield Forge Academy were among those leading sessions.

Comments

Moreteavicar?
11:35am Mon 4 Aug 14

It would have been more relevant if the HT had reorted how much this has cost us and how many pupils they will have. Absolutely no need for this in Herefordshire - the only people who wanted it were Robert Owen.

It would have been more relevant if the HT had reorted how much this has cost us and how many pupils they will have. Absolutely no need for this in Herefordshire - the only people who wanted it were Robert Owen.Moreteavicar?

It would have been more relevant if the HT had reorted how much this has cost us and how many pupils they will have. Absolutely no need for this in Herefordshire - the only people who wanted it were Robert Owen.

Score: 5

Clarkester
11:56am Mon 4 Aug 14

I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...

I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...Clarkester

I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...

Score: 4

AylestoneVoice
12:25pm Mon 4 Aug 14

It is hardly "free" for the council tax payer as the government forced the Council to give them the site for nothing

It is hardly "free" for the council tax payer as the government forced the Council to give them the site for nothingAylestoneVoice

It is hardly "free" for the council tax payer as the government forced the Council to give them the site for nothing

Score: 7

Moderation
5:31pm Tue 5 Aug 14

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???Moderation

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

Score: 1

Moreteavicar?
6:50pm Tue 5 Aug 14

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.

[quote][p][bold]Moderation[/bold] wrote:
Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???[/p][/quote]The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.Moreteavicar?

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.

Score: -1

hereford666@gmail.com
5:40pm Fri 8 Aug 14

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!hereford666@gmail.com

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

Score: 2

hereford666@gmail.com
5:43pm Fri 8 Aug 14

Moreteavicar? wrote…

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.

Surely, Free means free from local government controls and top slicing of funding. So this means more funding goes to the school.

[quote][p][bold]Moreteavicar?[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Moderation[/bold] wrote:
Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???[/p][/quote]The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.[/p][/quote]Surely, Free means free from local government controls and top slicing of funding. So this means more funding goes to the school.hereford666@gmail.com

Moreteavicar? wrote…

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.

Surely, Free means free from local government controls and top slicing of funding. So this means more funding goes to the school.

Score: 3

ad47uk
6:09pm Fri 8 Aug 14

hereford666@gmail.co
m wrote…

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.

Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.

[quote][p][bold]hereford666@gmail.co
m[/bold] wrote:
I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements![/p][/quote]the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.
Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.ad47uk

hereford666@gmail.co
m wrote…

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.

Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.

Score: -1

Fran
10:46am Tue 12 Aug 14

No the building has not been "gutted"! All the unpleasant internal partitions and suspended ceilings have been removed. The building inside is now as it was built! It is a beautiful building!

No the building has not been "gutted"! All the unpleasant internal partitions and suspended ceilings have been removed. The building inside is now as it was built! It is a beautiful building!Fran

No the building has not been "gutted"! All the unpleasant internal partitions and suspended ceilings have been removed. The building inside is now as it was built! It is a beautiful building!

Score: 2

Robert Owen
1:41pm Tue 12 Aug 14

For those of you who want to see more about the building, the school and most importantly, the young people who study there visit the school's Facebook page.

The address is www.facebook.com/Rob
ertOwenVocationalSch
ool

For those of you who want to see more about the building, the school and most importantly, the young people who study there visit the school's Facebook page.
The address is www.facebook.com/Rob
ertOwenVocationalSch
oolRobert Owen

For those of you who want to see more about the building, the school and most importantly, the young people who study there visit the school's Facebook page.

The address is www.facebook.com/Rob
ertOwenVocationalSch
ool

Score: 0

Robert Owen
1:36pm Tue 12 Aug 14

ad47uk wrote…

hereford666@gmail.co

m wrote…

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.

Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.

It is not accurate to say that the building was gutted when it was not. It has been very carefully restored to what it was around the time it was built with many original features revealed again and looking great.

There is an open day on Staurday 16th August from 10-3. Come along and see how well the building has been restored.

[quote][p][bold]ad47uk[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]hereford666@gmail.co
m[/bold] wrote:
I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements![/p][/quote]the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.
Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.[/p][/quote]It is not accurate to say that the building was gutted when it was not. It has been very carefully restored to what it was around the time it was built with many original features revealed again and looking great.
There is an open day on Staurday 16th August from 10-3. Come along and see how well the building has been restored.Robert Owen

ad47uk wrote…

hereford666@gmail.co

m wrote…

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.

Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.

It is not accurate to say that the building was gutted when it was not. It has been very carefully restored to what it was around the time it was built with many original features revealed again and looking great.

There is an open day on Staurday 16th August from 10-3. Come along and see how well the building has been restored.

Score: 0

Robert Owen
1:38pm Tue 12 Aug 14

Tomorrow (Wednesday 13th August) the Robert Owen Vocational School has two "Meet the School events". The first is at the Courtyard from 11-12 and the second is at Asda, Belmont from 4.30-6.30. We look forward to seeing you there.

On Saturday there will be an open event at the Blackfriars site. Come and see us anytime between 10-3.

Tomorrow (Wednesday 13th August) the Robert Owen Vocational School has two "Meet the School events". The first is at the Courtyard from 11-12 and the second is at Asda, Belmont from 4.30-6.30. We look forward to seeing you there.
On Saturday there will be an open event at the Blackfriars site. Come and see us anytime between 10-3.Robert Owen

Tomorrow (Wednesday 13th August) the Robert Owen Vocational School has two "Meet the School events". The first is at the Courtyard from 11-12 and the second is at Asda, Belmont from 4.30-6.30. We look forward to seeing you there.

On Saturday there will be an open event at the Blackfriars site. Come and see us anytime between 10-3.

Score: 3

Robert Owen
1:41pm Tue 12 Aug 14

www.facebook.com/Rob
ertOwenVocationalSch
ool

www.facebook.com/Rob
ertOwenVocationalSch
oolRobert Owen

www.facebook.com/Rob
ertOwenVocationalSch
ool

Score: 0

Robert Owen
9:06am Fri 15 Aug 14

Moreteavicar? wrote…

It would have been more relevant if the HT had reorted how much this has cost us and how many pupils they will have. Absolutely no need for this in Herefordshire - the only people who wanted it were Robert Owen.

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

[quote][p][bold]Moreteavicar?[/bold] wrote:
It would have been more relevant if the HT had reorted how much this has cost us and how many pupils they will have. Absolutely no need for this in Herefordshire - the only people who wanted it were Robert Owen.[/p][/quote]Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.
All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.Robert Owen

Moreteavicar? wrote…

It would have been more relevant if the HT had reorted how much this has cost us and how many pupils they will have. Absolutely no need for this in Herefordshire - the only people who wanted it were Robert Owen.

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

Score: 0

Robert Owen
7:15pm Thu 14 Aug 14

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

Come to the open event on Saturday and find out.

[quote][p][bold]Moderation[/bold] wrote:
Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???[/p][/quote]Come to the open event on Saturday and find out.Robert Owen

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

Come to the open event on Saturday and find out.

Score: 0

Robert Owen
7:13pm Thu 14 Aug 14

Moreteavicar? wrote…

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.

Come along to Saturday's open day at Blackfriars and see what central government has paid for and find out how this building is been restored to the community.

[quote][p][bold]Moreteavicar?[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Moderation[/bold] wrote:
Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???[/p][/quote]The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.[/p][/quote]Come along to Saturday's open day at Blackfriars and see what central government has paid for and find out how this building is been restored to the community.Robert Owen

Moreteavicar? wrote…

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

The Council have been forced by the government to "give" the building to Robert Owen.

Come along to Saturday's open day at Blackfriars and see what central government has paid for and find out how this building is been restored to the community.

Score: 0

Robert Owen
7:17pm Thu 14 Aug 14

Clarkester wrote…

I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...

Wrong! Come and find out more on Saturday

[quote][p][bold]Clarkester[/bold] wrote:
I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...[/p][/quote]Wrong! Come and find out more on SaturdayRobert Owen

Clarkester wrote…

I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...

Wrong! Come and find out more on Saturday

Score: 0

Robert Owen
9:06am Fri 15 Aug 14

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.
All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.Robert Owen

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

Score: 0

Robert Owen
9:04am Fri 15 Aug 14

Robert Owen wrote…

Clarkester wrote…

I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...

Wrong! Come and find out more on Saturday

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Owen[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Clarkester[/bold] wrote:
I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...[/p][/quote]Wrong! Come and find out more on Saturday[/p][/quote]Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.
All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.Robert Owen

Robert Owen wrote…

Clarkester wrote…

I understand, from other sources, that the redevelopment has cost about £3,000,000.
And, at present, there are between 20 and 30 pupils...

Wrong! Come and find out more on Saturday

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

Score: 0

Robert Owen
9:04am Fri 15 Aug 14

Robert Owen wrote…

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

Come to the open event on Saturday and find out.

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Owen[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Moderation[/bold] wrote:
Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???[/p][/quote]Come to the open event on Saturday and find out.[/p][/quote]Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.
All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.Robert Owen

Robert Owen wrote…

Moderation wrote…

Can some one explain the term 'FREE' in this instance, Has the council or the local educational authority paid in any respect to buy the building or its costly redevelopment ???

Come to the open event on Saturday and find out.

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

Score: 0

Robert Owen
9:05am Fri 15 Aug 14

ad47uk wrote…

hereford666@gmail.co

m wrote…

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.

Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

[quote][p][bold]ad47uk[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]hereford666@gmail.co
m[/bold] wrote:
I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements![/p][/quote]the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.
Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.[/p][/quote]Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.
All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.Robert Owen

ad47uk wrote…

hereford666@gmail.co

m wrote…

I think the previous "posters" are missing the point. This is exactly the type of school this area needs. I know two children whose lives have been transformed by their going to the school and understand that the school is succeeding and will go from strength to strength from September. Anyway, we can all go and see how it is doing soon instead of us making armchair judgements!

the schools we have got can't be filled, so why do we need another one? there is money in this for someone and it is certainly not the tax payers.

Also that building was gutted, with only the outside walls standing. Another old building reduced to just the outside walls.

Just to remind you know that the Robert Owen Vocational School will be holding an open day at the renovated Blackfriars site from 10-3 on Saturday 16th August.

All are welcome to come and learn about the new school and to see how the Boys Grammar School has been tastefully restored for the community.

Score: 0

mizza21
12:12pm Mon 18 Aug 14

My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.

Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.

The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.

My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.
Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.
The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.mizza21

My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.

Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.

The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.

Score: 2

Robert Owen
3:12pm Mon 18 Aug 14

This week is a busy week with several opportunities to find out more about the Robert Owen Vocational School. Come and see us at the following venues.

This week is a busy week with several opportunities to find out more about the Robert Owen Vocational School. Come and see us at the following venues.
Courtyard - Parents and prospective parents meeting - Wednesday 20th - 2-3
Tesco, Belmont - Meet the School - Wednesday 20th - 4.30-6.00
Blackfriars Open Event - Saturday 23rd - 10.00 -3.00Robert Owen

This week is a busy week with several opportunities to find out more about the Robert Owen Vocational School. Come and see us at the following venues.

It’s nearly here - Phase 1 of the new premises for the Robert Owen Vocational School will be officially opened on the 21st August

On 21st August, Bill Jackson FNAEA CIPS (a long standing supporter of the school and chair of the Hereford Enterprize Zone Board to boot!) will officially cut the ribbon to open the new premises.

We are really excited to see the first phase of our new premises being completed. They will offer exceptional new facilities for education and vocational learning, not to mention providing a vital resource to the community in and around Hereford.

Our first year has been hugely successful and we have made some really exciting progress. But it is definitely a case on onwards and upwards from here!

If you are interested in finding out more about the school, visit www.robertowenschool
.co.uk for details of open days and community events where staff would be delighted to answer your questions and talk about how the school could help your child.

It’s nearly here - Phase 1 of the new premises for the Robert Owen Vocational School will be officially opened on the 21st August
On 21st August, Bill Jackson FNAEA CIPS (a long standing supporter of the school and chair of the Hereford Enterprize Zone Board to boot!) will officially cut the ribbon to open the new premises.
We are really excited to see the first phase of our new premises being completed. They will offer exceptional new facilities for education and vocational learning, not to mention providing a vital resource to the community in and around Hereford.
Our first year has been hugely successful and we have made some really exciting progress. But it is definitely a case on onwards and upwards from here!
If you are interested in finding out more about the school, visit www.robertowenschool
.co.uk for details of open days and community events where staff would be delighted to answer your questions and talk about how the school could help your child.Robert Owen

It’s nearly here - Phase 1 of the new premises for the Robert Owen Vocational School will be officially opened on the 21st August

On 21st August, Bill Jackson FNAEA CIPS (a long standing supporter of the school and chair of the Hereford Enterprize Zone Board to boot!) will officially cut the ribbon to open the new premises.

We are really excited to see the first phase of our new premises being completed. They will offer exceptional new facilities for education and vocational learning, not to mention providing a vital resource to the community in and around Hereford.

Our first year has been hugely successful and we have made some really exciting progress. But it is definitely a case on onwards and upwards from here!

If you are interested in finding out more about the school, visit www.robertowenschool
.co.uk for details of open days and community events where staff would be delighted to answer your questions and talk about how the school could help your child.

Score: 0

WYSIATI
7:02am Fri 29 Aug 14

mizza21 wrote…

My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.

Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.

The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.

Mizza - I wish your son the best of education and hope that the school is what he needs.

I am sure that for some kids there is a gap in education and maybe more vocational training etc is part of the answer.

At the same time the schools in Herefordshire are generally exceptionally good. There is no local authority control - heads have always had a huge influence on the school and for years now have been able to do pretty much what they want (for good or ill). There are very few local authority people involved at all any more which many schools greatly regret - especially when things get sticky and they need help.

The local authority still has the responsibility to ensure there are enough good places for those that need them - though it's completely unclear how they can ensure that given they can't build (or close) schools.

I see no reason to assume that something set up by a company or run by an individual would always be better than something provided by the state. In the end we have very little ability to control the company or the head and we will see a share of scandals. Hopefully most of the time things will work well.

[quote][p][bold]mizza21[/bold] wrote:
My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.
Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.
The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.[/p][/quote]Mizza - I wish your son the best of education and hope that the school is what he needs.
I am sure that for some kids there is a gap in education and maybe more vocational training etc is part of the answer.
At the same time the schools in Herefordshire are generally exceptionally good. There is no local authority control - heads have always had a huge influence on the school and for years now have been able to do pretty much what they want (for good or ill). There are very few local authority people involved at all any more which many schools greatly regret - especially when things get sticky and they need help.
The local authority still has the responsibility to ensure there are enough good places for those that need them - though it's completely unclear how they can ensure that given they can't build (or close) schools.
I see no reason to assume that something set up by a company or run by an individual would always be better than something provided by the state. In the end we have very little ability to control the company or the head and we will see a share of scandals. Hopefully most of the time things will work well.WYSIATI

mizza21 wrote…

My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.

Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.

The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.

Mizza - I wish your son the best of education and hope that the school is what he needs.

I am sure that for some kids there is a gap in education and maybe more vocational training etc is part of the answer.

At the same time the schools in Herefordshire are generally exceptionally good. There is no local authority control - heads have always had a huge influence on the school and for years now have been able to do pretty much what they want (for good or ill). There are very few local authority people involved at all any more which many schools greatly regret - especially when things get sticky and they need help.

The local authority still has the responsibility to ensure there are enough good places for those that need them - though it's completely unclear how they can ensure that given they can't build (or close) schools.

I see no reason to assume that something set up by a company or run by an individual would always be better than something provided by the state. In the end we have very little ability to control the company or the head and we will see a share of scandals. Hopefully most of the time things will work well.

Score: -2

WYSIATI
7:04am Fri 29 Aug 14

Robert Owen - you could help those of us who haven't been to the school by providing some information about costs. No need to be shy - it's our money after all. I hope that you have every success in spending it wisely and trust you understand that getting a great deal more money than other providers would need to be justified (in total and per pupil) and set against severe cuts to public services means openness is required.

Robert Owen - you could help those of us who haven't been to the school by providing some information about costs. No need to be shy - it's our money after all. I hope that you have every success in spending it wisely and trust you understand that getting a great deal more money than other providers would need to be justified (in total and per pupil) and set against severe cuts to public services means openness is required.WYSIATI

Robert Owen - you could help those of us who haven't been to the school by providing some information about costs. No need to be shy - it's our money after all. I hope that you have every success in spending it wisely and trust you understand that getting a great deal more money than other providers would need to be justified (in total and per pupil) and set against severe cuts to public services means openness is required.

Score: 0

mizza21
10:53am Fri 29 Aug 14

It's variety and to some extent choice I guess WYSIATI.
The state's education system is designed to provide the same education to all children.
But they ain't the same.

Private enterprise is not always better than the state, but in education it will always be better.
The state always has an agenda. Whether it be promoting democracy or attitudes to religion and race, there is always interference.
I don't want my kids education to be subject to the decisions and prejudices of someone like Michael Gove or his successor.

It's variety and to some extent choice I guess WYSIATI.
The state's education system is designed to provide the same education to all children.
But they ain't the same.
Private enterprise is not always better than the state, but in education it will always be better.
The state always has an agenda. Whether it be promoting democracy or attitudes to religion and race, there is always interference.
I don't want my kids education to be subject to the decisions and prejudices of someone like Michael Gove or his successor.mizza21

It's variety and to some extent choice I guess WYSIATI.
The state's education system is designed to provide the same education to all children.
But they ain't the same.

Private enterprise is not always better than the state, but in education it will always be better.
The state always has an agenda. Whether it be promoting democracy or attitudes to religion and race, there is always interference.
I don't want my kids education to be subject to the decisions and prejudices of someone like Michael Gove or his successor.

Score: 1

Robert Owen
3:24pm Fri 29 Aug 14

WYSIATI wrote…

mizza21 wrote…

My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.

Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.

The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.

Mizza - I wish your son the best of education and hope that the school is what he needs.

I am sure that for some kids there is a gap in education and maybe more vocational training etc is part of the answer.

At the same time the schools in Herefordshire are generally exceptionally good. There is no local authority control - heads have always had a huge influence on the school and for years now have been able to do pretty much what they want (for good or ill). There are very few local authority people involved at all any more which many schools greatly regret - especially when things get sticky and they need help.

The local authority still has the responsibility to ensure there are enough good places for those that need them - though it's completely unclear how they can ensure that given they can't build (or close) schools.

I see no reason to assume that something set up by a company or run by an individual would always be better than something provided by the state. In the end we have very little ability to control the company or the head and we will see a share of scandals. Hopefully most of the time things will work well.

The Robert Owen Academy is overseen by the Department for Education, the Education Funding Agency and OFSTED in exactly the same way that any other school teaching this age group is. It is also well supported by departments for Hereford Council.

[quote][p][bold]WYSIATI[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]mizza21[/bold] wrote:
My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.
Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.
The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.[/p][/quote]Mizza - I wish your son the best of education and hope that the school is what he needs.
I am sure that for some kids there is a gap in education and maybe more vocational training etc is part of the answer.
At the same time the schools in Herefordshire are generally exceptionally good. There is no local authority control - heads have always had a huge influence on the school and for years now have been able to do pretty much what they want (for good or ill). There are very few local authority people involved at all any more which many schools greatly regret - especially when things get sticky and they need help.
The local authority still has the responsibility to ensure there are enough good places for those that need them - though it's completely unclear how they can ensure that given they can't build (or close) schools.
I see no reason to assume that something set up by a company or run by an individual would always be better than something provided by the state. In the end we have very little ability to control the company or the head and we will see a share of scandals. Hopefully most of the time things will work well.[/p][/quote]The Robert Owen Academy is overseen by the Department for Education, the Education Funding Agency and OFSTED in exactly the same way that any other school teaching this age group is. It is also well supported by departments for Hereford Council.Robert Owen

WYSIATI wrote…

mizza21 wrote…

My son goes to the Bobby Owen School. It's very good at some things.
All schools cost the taxpayer moneys.
People are voting against Local Authority schools with their children's feet.

Local Authorities have no vision for the future, no direction.
I wouldn't necessarily want them to either, which is why they should not have any input or control over our children's education.

The first schools were set up by private industry. This is how it should be.
Government has an agenda. I don't want them educating my children.

Mizza - I wish your son the best of education and hope that the school is what he needs.

I am sure that for some kids there is a gap in education and maybe more vocational training etc is part of the answer.

At the same time the schools in Herefordshire are generally exceptionally good. There is no local authority control - heads have always had a huge influence on the school and for years now have been able to do pretty much what they want (for good or ill). There are very few local authority people involved at all any more which many schools greatly regret - especially when things get sticky and they need help.

The local authority still has the responsibility to ensure there are enough good places for those that need them - though it's completely unclear how they can ensure that given they can't build (or close) schools.

I see no reason to assume that something set up by a company or run by an individual would always be better than something provided by the state. In the end we have very little ability to control the company or the head and we will see a share of scandals. Hopefully most of the time things will work well.

The Robert Owen Academy is overseen by the Department for Education, the Education Funding Agency and OFSTED in exactly the same way that any other school teaching this age group is. It is also well supported by departments for Hereford Council.

Score: 0

yokelyokel
9:01am Sun 31 Aug 14

Robert Owen - could you answer some detailed questions?

- Why did your first Principal, Ms Dean, resign after a term?
-Why did the new principal announced in your June newsletter (Andrew Hubble) resign from his last role, in Walsall? And do you consider that he has the right track record?
- You announced in Summer 2013 that you would open with 60 students. How many did you actually have and how many of those that started the year managed to complete it?
-How many firm enrolments do you have for this year?
- I also have heard the figure of £3 million for the refurbishment (on top of the council being unable to sell off an asset that it owns) - if this is not the true figure, then what is?

Robert Owen - could you answer some detailed questions?
- Why did your first Principal, Ms Dean, resign after a term?
-Why did the new principal announced in your June newsletter (Andrew Hubble) resign from his last role, in Walsall? And do you consider that he has the right track record?
- You announced in Summer 2013 that you would open with 60 students. How many did you actually have and how many of those that started the year managed to complete it?
-How many firm enrolments do you have for this year?
- I also have heard the figure of £3 million for the refurbishment (on top of the council being unable to sell off an asset that it owns) - if this is not the true figure, then what is?yokelyokel

Robert Owen - could you answer some detailed questions?

- Why did your first Principal, Ms Dean, resign after a term?
-Why did the new principal announced in your June newsletter (Andrew Hubble) resign from his last role, in Walsall? And do you consider that he has the right track record?
- You announced in Summer 2013 that you would open with 60 students. How many did you actually have and how many of those that started the year managed to complete it?
-How many firm enrolments do you have for this year?
- I also have heard the figure of £3 million for the refurbishment (on top of the council being unable to sell off an asset that it owns) - if this is not the true figure, then what is?

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